FLEETWOOD Hesketh CC have announced the signing of West Indian international Mahendra Nagamootoo for the 2009 season.

The 33-year-old wrist spinner, who has played five test matches and 24 ODI's, replaces Sri Lankan Kasun Bodhisha as the overseas professional at Sea Cop.

Captain Gary Wells said: "Everyone at the club is excited about meeting 'Nagas' in the next few weeks and we wish him all the best for the coming season. We expect he will bat in our top order, probably three or four."

Last year Fleetwood catapulted themselves into fifth place in the Liverpool and District Premier League after ending the season with a nine game unbeaten run.

But with the arrivals of Nagamootoo and the experienced seam bowler Tony Rogan from Formby, Gary is optimistic about his side's chances.

"I know we have got a good team. We finished fifth last year and we really think we can push the top four if not be up there challenging for the title," said the skipper, who scored 829 runs in 2008 and was the first in the league to pass 500.

Nagamootoo made his test debut at the Oval against England in 2000. He dismissed Marcus Trescothick for his first wicket and followed it by capturing Nasser Hussain two balls later. He played his last test against India in 2002 and has 12 wickets and 637 runs to his name.

An aggressive left handed batsman and an outstanding fielder, he is the nephew of West Indies legends Rohan Kanhai and Alvin Kallicharran.

There is also good news for Fleetwood's youngsters as Nagamootoo will be coaching the junior teams at Sea Cop throughout the summer.

Fleetwood's 2009 campaign starts with the visit of Northop Hall on April 18 with a derby at Formby the week after.